Multi-flow cap

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns a multi-flow cap which comprises:
         a main body with means for connecting to the neck of a recipient   two flow outlet openings of unequal sizes, such that they define a large opening and a small opening.       

     To provide an improved multi-flow cap which also reduces or minimizes spurting of the fluid contained in the recipient, it is proposed according to the invention that the two openings of the multi-flow cap are comprised in an insert connected to the main body and in that the insert additionally comprises a plurality of baffles distributed along an inner perimeter and arranged such that each opening is partially coincident with at least one baffle in the outlet direction of the flow.

The present invention relates to a multi-flow cap for recipients forliquids.

Double flow caps are well known in the industry due to the advantagesthereof with respect to traditional single flow caps. The main advantageof multi-flow caps is that they make it possible, according to theuser's requirements, to empty the recipient with a flow with a high flowrate or with a flow with a reduced flow rate according to whether speedof emptying or accuracy is required. This advantage means that this typeof cap is especially used in the food industry, and more particularly inthe edible oil industry, as a flow with a low oil flow rate isespecially suitable for dressing food, while a flow with a greater flowrate is advantageous when putting oil into frying pans etc. for cooking.

One of the main challenges when pouring a liquid contained in arecipient is for it to be obtained in a regulated manner, withoutappreciable fluctuations in the flow rate. This problem is greater orlesser depending on the physical properties of the liquid contained inthe recipient. This is a significant problem in the case of edible oils.In the state of the art, various types of caps are known which attemptto reduce this type of problem and achieve an outlet flow that iscontinuous and constant, without spurting, gushing etc.

The present invention discloses a multi-flow cap which also reduces orminimizes spurting of the fluid contained in the recipient.

Document FR 2900909 A1 discloses a multi-flow cap for pouring liquidswith a flow rate that can be regulated. Said cap comprises an upper partand a lower part, in which the upper part comprises a tearable membranewhich leaves free an upper orifice and the lower part comprises twoorifices which allow liquid to pass through. The upper part comprisesguides which allow the lower part to rotate with respect to the upperpart such that depending on the arrangement of the parts, the orificesare overlapped to a greater or lesser extent and leave a larger orsmaller passage area free, thus allowing a flow to pass with a greateror lesser flow rate depending on the requirements. The cap disclosed inthe document FR 2900909 A1 has various disadvantages, among which itslack of elements which would minimize the variability of the outlet flowrate. In addition, the fact that the parts are moveable makes their usemore difficult and increases the risk of breaking. Another disadvantageof said cap is that the shape of the upper orifice makes it complex tomanufacture a tearable membrane for said orifice.

The present invention solves the above mentioned problems, disclosing adouble flow cap which comprises a main body with means for connecting tothe neck of a recipient and two flow outlet openings of unequal size,such that they define a large opening and a small opening; in which saidtwo openings are comprised in an insert connected to the main body andin which the insert additionally comprises a plurality of bafflesdistributed along an inner perimeter and arranged such that each openingis partially coincident with at least one baffle in the outlet directionof the flow.

In addition, the present invention also makes it difficult to top up thebottle. This is a characteristic that is valued in the packaging ofhigh-value products and even a legal requirement for certain uses(marketing of oil in the hotel industry or the catering industry, forexample).

The large opening makes it possible to empty the recipient with a flowwith a high flow rate and the small opening makes it possible to emptythe recipient with a flow with a lower flow rate and with greateraccuracy.

Between the baffles and the two openings comprised in the insert thereis a separation such that it allows the passage of fluid despite eachopening being partially coincident with at least one baffle.

In the present invention, the relationship between the position of thebaffles and the position of the openings is fixed, which avoids havingto manipulate the cap and, consequently, reduces the risk of breakagethereof. As it does not require manipulation on the part of the user,the present invention reduces the risk of the user becoming splashedwith the fluid contained in the recipient.

Preferentially, the insert is connected to the main body by means ofdimensional interference between mating flanges.

In an embodiment, there is a separation between baffles, i.e. thebaffles are not contiguous. In a preferred embodiment, the baffles andtheir respective separations are uniformly distributed.

In an embodiment, the openings are diametrically opposed. In a preferredembodiment, the openings define an axis of symmetry, the openings beingsymmetrical with respect to said axis of symmetry. In an even morepreferred embodiment, the baffles and their respective separationstherebetween are symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetrydefined by the openings.

Advantageously, each of the baffles has the shape of a petal. Even moreadvantageously, each of the baffles has the shape of a roundedtrapezium.

In a preferred manner, each of the baffles is inclined in the directionopposite to the outlet flow.

In an embodiment, the length of each of the baffles is such that itshorizontal projection is smaller than the horizontal projection of thewidth of each of the openings.

Preferentially, the large opening has the shape of a rounded trapezium.

In an embodiment, the small opening has the shape of a roundedtrapezium. In another embodiment, the small opening has a triangularshape.

Preferentially, the main body additionally comprises a tearable membranewhich covers the insert and which acts as a seal.

In an embodiment, the double flow cap comprises a top-piece configuredin order to close said cap. In an advantageous embodiment, the top-piececloses by means of a helicoidal thread. In an alternative embodiment,the top-piece connects to the main body by means of an articulation witha flap hinge.

The concept of a bi-flow cap and of a double flow cap are used in anequivalent and interchangeable manner throughout the present document.The term multi-flow cap is also used, which also includes bi-flow caps,caps with a greater number of flows with a different flow rate. In thisdocument, by width of the opening is meant the difference between theexternal radius and the internal radius in the case of openings in theshape of a rounded trapezium, and the height of the triangle in the caseof triangular openings. In this document, by length of the opening ismeant the arc of the circumference that said opening defines. In thisdocument, by baffles with the shape of a rounded trapezium is meantspecifically baffles with the shape of a petal. In this document, thedirections horizontal, vertical, up, down etc. are understood accordingto the normal standing position of the recipient, i.e. with the axis ofthe recipient being perpendicular to the ground.

For greater clarity, representative drawings of an embodiment of thedouble flow cap that is the subject of the present invention areattached by way of non-limitative illustrative examples.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a bi-flow capaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a bi-flowcap according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a transverse section view of an embodiment of a bi-flow capaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective top view of an embodiment of a main body of abi-flow cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a transverse cross-section view of an embodiment of a mainbody of a bi-flow cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of a main bodyof a bi-flow cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert of abi-flow cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of an insert of a bi-flowcap according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of an insert of abi-flow cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a transverse cross-section view of an embodiment of aninsert of a bi-flow cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view of a top-piece of a bi-flow capaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows in a perspective view an embodiment of a bi-flow cap -1-according to the present invention. Said figure shows the cap -1- withits respective main body -20- closed by means of a threaded top-piece-10-. In other embodiments, the top-piece can be connected to the mainbody by means of an articulated flap hinge which allows said top-pieceto be opened.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the main components of anembodiment of a bi-flow cap -1- according to the present invention. Thisfigure shows the threaded top-piece -10-, the main body -20- and theinsert -30-.

In the cross-section view in FIG. 3 it can be seen how the differentcomponents of the bi-flow cap -1- interact with one another when the capis closed. In the embodiment shown, when the threaded top-piece -10- isclosed, the ring -21- connected to the tearable membrane -27- is housedwithin the inner skirt -12- of the threaded top-piece -10-. The insert-30- is connected with the main body -20- by means of dimensionalinterference between mating flanges. The tearable membrane -27- acts asa seal and makes it possible to ensure that the contents of therecipient have not been manipulated. The inner skirt -12- of thethreaded top-piece closes by means of dimensional interference with thenozzle -22- of the main body -20-, this ensures closure of the cap -1-once the seal formed by the tearable membrane -27- has been broken.

FIGS. 4 to 6 make it possible to see in detail the different parts of anembodiment of a main body of a bi-flow cap -1- according to the presentinvention. As can be seen, the ring -21- is connected to the tearablemembrane -27- and said ring -21- is housed inside the nozzle -22-. Saidnozzle -22- is essentially cylindrical in shape. In order to facilitatethe tearing of the tearable membrane -27-, the main body has acircumferential pre-cut -24- which reduces the force necessary to tearthe membrane -27- and which ensures the correct opening thereof. Inorder to tear the membrane -27- the user pulls the ring -21- firmlyfastened to said membrane -27-.

These figures also make it possible to see the thread -25- onto whichthe threaded top-piece -10- is screwed (not shown in figures).

As can been seen, the embodiment shown in the figures has an inner skirt-29- that is cylindrical in shape which has on its inner face aplurality of projections -23-. Said plurality of projections -23- isdistributed in a uniform manner along the perimeter of the inner face ofthe inner skirt -29-. Said plurality of projections -23- interlocks withthe groove -33- of the insert -30- (see FIGS. 3 and 10). In otherembodiments, said plurality of projections -23- can be substituted witha single circumferential projection which also interlocks with thegroove -33- of the insert -30-. The inner skirt -29-additionallycomprises a circumferential projection -28- on its outer faceresponsible for interlocking with the neck of the recipient anddelimiting the axial movement of the insert -30- given that saidcircumferential projection -28- interlocks with the projection -35- ofsaid insert (see FIGS. 3 and 10). The plurality of projections -23-,together with the circumferential projection -28- and the dimensionalinterference between the inner skirt -29- of the main body -20- and theouter skirt -36- of the insert -30- make it possible to fasten saidinsert -30-. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of projections -23-is formed by 6 projections, but other embodiments with a differentnumber of projections are also possible.

In addition to the inner skirt -29-, the main body -20- of a double flowcap -1- according to the present invention also comprises an outer skirt-210- which comprises a projection -26- which interlocks with the neckof the recipient (not shown). The circumferential projection -28-, inaddition to assisting with the fastening of the insert -30-, alsocontributes to the fastening of the main body -20- to the neck of therecipient. Both means of connecting the main body -20- to the neck ofthe recipient are strengthened by the dimensional interference betweenthe neck of the recipient and the separation between the outer skirt-210- and the inner skirt -29- of the main body -20-.

FIGS. 7 to 10 make it possible to see in detail the different parts ofan embodiment of an insert -30- of a double flow cap -1- according tothe present invention. The insert -30- comprises two openings -31-, -32-that are diametrically opposed in its upper part. Said openings -31-,-32- are those responsible for allowing the passage of the fluid fromthe recipient to the outside. As can be seen in the figures, theopenings have unequal areas, defining a small opening -31- and a largeopening -32-. When the user wishes to empty liquid from the recipient ata low flow rate, for example in order to dress a salad in the case wherethe recipient contains oil, he empties the recipient through the smallopening -31- and the large opening -32- allows air to pass into theinside of the recipient so that the pressures are balanced. When theuser wishes to empty liquid from the recipient at a greater flow rate,for example in order to put oil into a frying pan in the case where therecipient contains oil, he empties the contents through the largeopening -32- and then the small opening -31- is that which acts to allowair to pass into the inside of the recipient so that the pressures arebalanced. In the embodiment shown, both openings have the shape of acircular trapezium, but other embodiments in which the small opening hasanother shape, for example triangular, are also possible. The smallopening -31- and the large opening -32- are totally independent, i.e.they are not connected.

In order to achieve the technical effect sought, having a double outletflow at the same time as avoiding the spurting of the fluid, bothopenings act together with a plurality of baffles -34- located in theinner part of the outer skirt -36- and below the two openings -31-,-32-. As can be seen in the figures, in the embodiment shown, theplurality of baffles -34- is distributed in a uniform manner along theinner perimeter of the outer skirt -36-. In the embodiment shown, eachof the baffles which forms the plurality -34- has the shape of a roundedtrapezium. As can be seen, between each of the baffles there is a smallseparation, i.e. the baffles are not in contact with each other. Each ofthe members of the plurality of baffles -34- is inclined downwards. Inthe embodiment shown, the plurality of baffles -34- is formed by 10baffles, but other embodiments with a different number are alsopossible.

As can be very clearly seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the length of each of thebaffles is such that its horizontal projection is smaller than thehorizontal projection of the width of each of the openings. Thisconfiguration causes the baffles to leave a central separation free.Both the two openings -31-, -32- and the plurality of baffles -34-define their own axis of symmetry, and both coincide, such that thecentre of each of the openings -31-, -32- coincides with the centre ofthe separation between the baffles. This non-random arrangement is theone which maximizes the technical effect. Additionally, this arrangementmakes it possible to minimize the surface area of the openings, sinceother arrangements would act partially as a labyrinth seal, making thepassage of the fluid more difficult. In the embodiment shown, the lengthof the large opening -32- is such that the horizontal projection of thetwo baffles is centred on the horizontal projection of said opening, inother words, the horizontal projection of the large opening -32-comprises the horizontal projection of two baffles and threeseparations.

Although other alternatives are possible, and as can be clearly seen inFIG. 10, in the embodiment the upper surface of the insert -20- has theshape of a V, i.e. it is not horizontal.

FIG. 11 makes it possible to see in detail a threaded top-piece -10- ofa bi-flow cap -1- according to the present invention. As can be seen,said threaded top-piece -10- comprises an outer skirt -13- on the innersurface of which is the helicoidal thread -11- which allows thetop-piece -10- to screw onto the main body -20-. As mentionedpreviously, the threaded top-piece -10- additionally comprises an innerskirt -12- responsible for, among other things, closing the cap by meansof dimensional interference with the nozzle -22- of the main body -20-(see FIG. 3).

While the invention has been described and shown based on arepresentative example, it must be understood that said embodiment is inno way limitative of the present invention, and therefore any of thevariations which are included directly or by equivalence in the contentof the attached claims will be considered to be included within thescope of the present invention.

1. Multi-flow cap which comprises: a main body with means for connectingto the neck of a recipient two flow outlet openings of unequal sizes,such that they define a large opening and a small opening characterizedin that said two openings are comprised in an insert connected to themain body and in that the insert additionally comprises a plurality ofbaffles distributed along an inner perimeter and arranged such that eachopening is partially coincident with at least one baffle in the outletdirection of the flow.
 2. Multi-flow cap according to claim 1,characterized in that there is a separation between the baffles at leastpartially coincident with each of the openings.
 3. Multi-flow capaccording to claim 2, characterized in that the baffles and theirrespective separations therebetween are distributed uniformly. 4.Multi-flow cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the openingsare diametrically opposed.
 5. Multi-flow cap according to claim 4,characterized in that the openings define an axis of symmetry, theopenings being symmetrical with respect to said axis of symmetry. 6.Multi-flow cap according to claim 5, characterized in that the bafflesand their respective separations therebetween are symmetrical withrespect to the axis of symmetry defined by the openings.
 7. Multi-flowcap according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the baffles hasthe shape of a petal.
 8. Multi-flow cap according to claim 7,characterized in that each of the baffles has the shape of a roundedtrapezium.
 9. Multi-flow cap according to claim 1, characterized in thateach of the baffles is inclined in the direction opposite to the outletflow
 10. Multi-flow cap according to claim 1, characterized in that thelength of each of the baffles is such that its horizontal projection issmaller than the horizontal projection of the width of each of theopenings.
 11. Multi-flow cap according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe large opening has the shape of a rounded trapezium.
 12. Multi-flowcap according to claim 1, characterized in that the small opening hasthe shape of a rounded trapezium.
 13. Multi-flow cap according to claim1 characterized in that the small opening has the shape of a triangle.14. Multi-flow cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the mainbody additionally comprises a tearable membrane which covers the insertand which acts as a seal.
 15. Multi-flow cap according to claim 1,further characterized in that it comprises a top-piece configured inorder to close said cap.
 16. Multi-flow cap according to claim 15,characterized in that the top-piece closes by means of a helicoidalthread.
 17. Multi-flow cap according to claim 15, characterized in thatthe top-piece connects to the main body by means of an articulation witha flap hinge.